Authorities on Thursday reported that portions of a stage that was being put up for an Elton John weekend concert at the famous Chichen Itza ruins in Mexico collapsed during construction. Three workers were injured.
Two workers had slight injuries that were treated. They were then released. The third worker was in the hospital due to a broken leg. The accident took place on Wednesday night. Elton John was not present at the time.
Spokesman Francisco de Anda for the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico, said there hadn’t been any discussions for canceling the scheduled Saturday event. The Institute is in charge of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic sites.
According to the Institute the Mayan ruins, which are 1,200 years old, didn’t sustain any damages. De Anda stated that the stage had been placed at a distance away from the temples and pyramid to avoid potential damages from occurring.
The metal structure’s upper lighting rails collapsed into the stage, according to De Anda. The rails hold spotlights along with other technical equipment.
Outside experts will be reviewing the structure in order to ensure that it or its replacement, will be able to be installed safely.
There has been some opposition for holding concerts on the site of the ruins. Some Mexicans claim it demeans the cultural significance of the ruins and places the stone structures in danger.
Since 1997 when Luciano Pavarotti sang at Chichen Itza, more than six concerts have taken place there. Tenor Placido Domingo in 2008 drew a crowd of 4,000 people without having any incidents.
In 2007, Chichen Itza was proclaimed a “New Seven Wonders of the World.”

